FamilyLife Radio Explores The God Conversation with Biola Professors

The God Conversation goes live this week as authors Tim Muehlhoff and J.P. Moreland are interviewed by Dennis Rainey, president of “FamilyLife.” Rainey will interview Muehlhoff, associate professor of communication at Biola University, and Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, on the nationally syndicated radio program “FamilyLife Today” June 23–25.

When people leave a conversation, they immediately forget half of what was said, according to communication research. Eight hours after that, the person will only remember 20 percent of the conversation. According to communication experts, quotes, stories and illustrations are the parts of conversation usually remembered.

Moreland and Muehlhoff inspired by the research, set out to confront this issue when it comes to the “God conversation.” The God conversation refers to when you converse with someone who does not know God and tell the person how He fits in your life.

“J.P. and I were having lunch one day and came up with this idea,” said Muehlhoff. “What if we took a guy from apologetics and a person from communications and tackle these issues?”

The two crafted a book of conversations and illustrations that anyone can use when sharing their faith with someone. It is based upon the defeater belief, a basic idea in philosophy that once you have certain beliefs in your mind, you won’t have others.

This week, Moreland and Muehlhoff will apply these conversations towards parents and family on the radio show. Muehlhoff expressed that most parents become uneasy when discussing these important issues with their children.

“Most of us feel really unequipped to handle it [these issues], so we ignore it,” said Muehlhoff.

The three-day radio show will address the need for parents to be forthcoming with their children and how parents can teach their children how to own their faith and defend it.

The show will air at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday on station KKLA 99.5.

The God Conversation was published in November of 2007 and is already in its third printing. Books are available for purchase at the Biola bookstore and on Amazon.com.